Detectives in Standish are appealing for information following an armed robbery at United Norwest Coop on Saturday 11 March 2006.

At around 9.35pm two men went into the shop on Pole Street and threatened two employees, a 33-year-old man and 46-year-old woman, working behind the counter. One of the offenders stayed by the door whilst the other man went behind the till area. The offender behind the counter threatened the employees with a knife and demanded they fill a bag with money. The man emptied two tills and stole a substantial amount of cash.

One of the employees was able to activate a panic alarm and the offenders made off with the cash. It is believed they may have made their escape on foot and ran off round the back of the shop.

There were two customers in the shop at the time and they were unharmed. The employees were left shaken by the ordeal but they were not injured.

The offender who went behind the counter is described as being white, in his early twenties, wearing a balaclava and black gloves. He is of slim build and around 5ft 10ins tall. The second man who stayed by the door was also wearing a balaclava and dark clothing.

Anyone who has any information about the armed robbery is asked to contact CID at Leigh on 0161 8567257 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.